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The American rule of the heavyweights is no more. Before a packed crowd in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oleg Maskaev (33-5, 26 KOs) stopped Hasim Rahman (41-6-2, 33 KOs) in the twelfth and final round to capture the WBC heavyweight title. Maskaev completing the European sweep of the heavyweight titles, joining WBA champion Nikolai Valuev, WBO champion Sergei Liakhovich and IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko.
If Rahman would have survived the round, Maskaev would have won the fight by way of a split decision. At the time of the stoppage, the scores were 106-103 Maskaev, 106-103 Rahman, and 105-104 Rahman. Considering that Maskaev was dominating the final round, and scored a knockdown, he would have been given a 10-8 round across the boards to win the title.
Both men were cautious at the start of the fight. Rahman began an early lead by being consistent with his jab. Around the fifth round, Maskaev began to neutralize the jab and land crisp left hooks. [details]
If Rahman would have survived the round, Maskaev would have won the fight by way of a split decision. At the time of the stoppage, the scores were 106-103 Maskaev, 106-103 Rahman, and 105-104 Rahman. Considering that Maskaev was dominating the final round, and scored a knockdown, he would have been given a 10-8 round across the boards to win the title.
Both men were cautious at the start of the fight. Rahman began an early lead by being consistent with his jab. Around the fifth round, Maskaev began to neutralize the jab and land crisp left hooks. [details]